Top 10 Best Fictional Villains of All Time

The Joker (DC Comics)

The Joker is a fictional supervillain created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, who first appeared in Batman #1, released on April 25, 1940, by DC Comics. Credit for the Joker's creation remains disputed. Both Kane and Robinson claimed responsibility for his visual design, while Finger is... read more

By far the most intriguing and unique villain, point-blank. It's not every day (or any day, honestly) that you get a villain who simply wants to "watch the world burn" and nothing more.
It's not every day that you get a villain who is so mentally gone that there is absolutely no probability of them ever regaining their sanity (which brings up the question, "Was the Joker ever truly sane?").
The Joker is simply a masterpiece of a character, and it shouldn't come as a surprise that many, including myself, agree that he is the best villain in villain history.

Easily the best. Not the most powerful, but definitely the best. He has the most interesting character in all of fictional history.
Some people underestimate him as just some mad serial killer, but trust me, The Killing Joke is the absolute best character to research, discover, and learn more about. His name is unknown, as is his past, which is said to be harsh through the Joker's twisted stories. He has no limits to his pure evil soul.

Darth Vader (Star Wars)

Darth Vader is a Star Wars character who serves as the main antagonist of the original Star Wars trilogy and as the central figure in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, where he is known by his original name, Anakin Skywalker. Initially trained as a Jedi Knight, Anakin defects to the Sith under the influence... read more

His breathing alone is more iconic than most villains. The Original Trilogy were blockbusters because of him. His mask is considered a symbol of evil all over the world.

Great character, great story, great villain, not much more to say. Though I am surprised Thrawn did not make the list.

Vader can slaughter the Joker with his hands.

Dracula (Bram Stoker's Dracula)

The Prince of Darkness. A truly awesome character and evil.

Zarbon (Dragon Ball)

Zarbon is a high-ranking commander in the Frieza Force and serves as Frieza's right-hand man. He works alongside Dodoria and plays a major role in advising Frieza on strategic matters, including the destruction of the Saiyan race. Zarbon assists in collecting the Namekian Dragon Balls and carrying out... read more

Zarbon is one of the best villains in the entire series. He is responsible for telling Frieza to eliminate the Saiyan race. He transforms into a reptilian beast and pounds Vegeta in the most brutal fight scene.

Zarbon is a lover of beauty yet holds a dormant power, the ability to transform into a reptilian beast. He is the deadly dynamic, a combination of beauty and beast.
He is a mysterious, demonic, ruthless, and brutal villain.

Most ruthless henchman in the Dragon Ball universe and most intricately designed. Extremely awesome character overall in terms of story, mannerism, and overall evil.

Cruella de Vil (101 Dalmatians)

Cruella de Vil is a fictional character who appeared in Dodie Smith's 1956 novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians. She is the main antagonist in Disney's animated film adaptations 101 Dalmatians and 101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure, as well as in the live-action films 101 Dalmatians and 102... read more

Sauron (Lord of the Rings)

Sauron is the title character and main antagonist of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Originally a servant of the first Dark Lord, Morgoth, Sauron rose to power after Morgoth's defeat. He forged the One Ring to dominate Middle-earth but was defeated when the Ring was cut from his finger.... read more

One ring to rule them all. The Dark Lord from Tolkien's world is the very embodiment of evil and corruption.

The Dark Lord of Mordor. The One Ring to Rule Them All. 'Nuff said.

Xenomorph (Aliens)

The Alien, also known as a Xenomorph XX121 or Internecivus raptus, is a fictional extraterrestrial species that serves as the title antagonist of the Alien film series. First introduced in Ridley Scott's 1979 film Alien, the Xenomorph is known for its terrifying life cycle and acid blood. The creature... read more

Had to. It's a monster, but it's my monster.

Hannibal Lecter (The Silence of the Lambs)

Dr. Hannibal Lecter is a character in a series of suspense novels by Thomas Harris. Lecter was introduced in the 1981 thriller novel Red Dragon as a forensic psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer. He became more widely known after Anthony Hopkins' iconic portrayal in the 1991 film The Silence... read more

Looking at him is creepy enough. The creepiest part is he's cannibalistic and he's a master of getting into your head. He also speaks in an eerie tone of voice.
He's good at blending in with his surroundings because he always seems so gentlemanly. He's the perfect serial killer.

With his cunning, intelligence, and great sense of smell, Hannibal makes you feel inferior to him mentally and physically. He is top of the food chain, and he knows it.
Even when he is locked up, you are not safe. Hannibal the Cannibal is not someone whose bad side you want to be on.

Voldemort (Harry Potter)

Lord Voldemort is a fictional character and the primary antagonist in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter book series. He first appears in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, published in 1997. Born as Tom Marvolo Riddle, he becomes the dark wizard known as Voldemort and is characterized by his obsession... read more

Voldemort is smart, powerful, and could really kill anyone that tries to confront him. The only reason he loses is because of his own mistakes.

This guy is so scary. I wouldn't want to meet face-to-face with this guy. I love Harry Potter.

Voldemort could beat everyone else on this list. Also, where's Sauron?

Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare on Elm Street)

Fred "Freddy" Krueger is the primary antagonist in the A Nightmare on Elm Street film series. He first appeared in the original film directed by Wes Craven in 1984. Freddy is known for his burned face, red-and-green striped sweater, and his glove with razor-sharp blades.

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Kurogiri (My Hero Academia)

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Calvin Candie (Django Unchained)

Hans Landa (Inglourious Basterds)

Christoph Waltz is an Austrian-German actor who has won two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor. He received both awards for his collaborations with director Quentin Tarantino in Inglourious Basterds (2009) and Django Unchained (2012). His performances in these films were widely acclaimed for their... read more

Emperor Palpatine (Star Wars)

Sheev Palpatine, also known by his Sith identity Darth Sidious, is a fictional character and one of the primary antagonists of the Star Wars franchise. Publicly, he appears as Senator Palpatine, then Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, and later as Emperor Palpatine. He is mainly portrayed by Ian McDiarmid... read more

T-1000 (Terminator 2)

Lex Luthor (DC Comics)

Alexander "Lex" Luthor is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is typically portrayed as the archenemy of Superman. Lex Luthor is a brilliant businessman and inventor known for his intelligence and ruthless ambition.

Smart yet demented. The latter can also refer to the people who didn't vote for him on this list.

Loki (Marvel Comics)

Loki Laufeyson, also known as Loki Odinson, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is the adoptive brother and archenemy of Thor and is known as the "God of Mischief." In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the character is portrayed by Tom Hiddleston.

Loki is an awesome character. I like him very much indeed.

Thanos (Marvel Comics)

Thanos is a fictional supervillain featured in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He was created by Jim Starlin and made his first appearance in Iron Man #55, published in February 1973. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thanos has been portrayed by Damion Poitier in The Avengers (2012... read more

The Mad Titan made quite an impression in the Avengers franchise. His goals and the limits that he crosses to achieve them are insane.

This guy is honestly a beast. He managed to get his hands on all six Infinity Stones. He is so evil, he killed his daughter to get the Soul Stone, and that's hard.
Thor is the only person who can defeat him, though he should have gone for the head.

Venom (Spider-Man)

Venom, or the Venom Symbiote, is an alias used by several fictional characters in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, most commonly in association with Spider-Man. The symbiote is a sentient alien organism that bonds with human hosts, the most famous being Eddie Brock. Venom has appeared... read more

King Ghidorah (Godzilla)

King Ghidorah is one of Godzilla's most well-known enemies. First appearing in 1964's Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster, he has gone on to appear in more films than most other Godzilla foes. The character is typically depicted as a three-headed, golden dragon with the ability to fly and shoot gravity... read more

One of the most malevolent creatures I have ever seen. He is apparently so evil that when he was cast out of Heaven, Hell didn't even want him, so he landed in our reality. He is also Godzilla's oldest and most unyielding rival.
No matter how many defeats he suffers, he always returns. In the Monsterverse, Ghidorah nearly killed Godzilla every time they encountered each other. Ghidorah is also responsible for killing Godzilla's love interest, Mothra, and smiling about it as he prepared to deliver the final blow.
The only way Godzilla could defeat him was to cheat. Even after this, though, Ghidorah's left head was featured in the post-end credits scene, suggesting that he is not gone. The fact that he could regenerate a head fully in mere seconds supports this statement.

Kylo Ren (Star Wars)

Kylo Ren, also known as Ben Solo, is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. He commands the First Order with a temper as fiery as his unconventional lightsaber. Kylo Ren first appeared in the 2015 film Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens. Ben Solo, the son of Han Solo and Princess Leia... read more

The Riddler (DC Comics)

The Riddler is a fictional supervillain appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. He is known for his obsession with riddles, puzzles, and word games. The Riddler is a frequent adversary of the superhero Batman and often leaves clues about his crimes.

Griffith (Berserk)

Griffith is a central character in the dark fantasy manga and anime series Berserk, created by Kentaro Miura. He's the charismatic and enigmatic leader of the mercenary band known as the Band of the Hawk. Griffith is characterized by his near-supernatural prowess in battle, his ambitious nature, and... read more

Doctor Doom (Marvel Comics)

Doctor Victor von Doom, better known as Doctor Doom, is a fictional supervillain in Marvel Comics. He is best known as the archenemy of the Fantastic Four. The character made his debut in The Fantastic Four #5.

Two-Face (DC Comics)

Two-Face, also known as Harvey Dent, is a fictional villain in the DC Comics universe. He was once one of Gotham City's most respected district attorneys until half his face was disfigured by acid, an event that triggered his descent into criminality under the name Two-Face. The character has been portrayed... read more

The Master (Doctor Who)

Michael Myers (Halloween)

Michael Myers is a character from the Halloween series of slasher films. He first appears in John Carpenter's 1978 Halloween as a young boy who murders his older sister, then returns fifteen years later to kill again. In October 2018, a direct sequel to the original film was released, ignoring previous... read more

You can't leave this psychopathic maniac out of the list!